Xtra Time Web Desk : The BCCI on Friday named a 18 man squad for the upcoming South Africa ODI series which is to start from January 19. Many expected names were on that squad while a few of the big names missed out on the selection. But one man who was bound to be selected was, Ruturaj Gaikwad. The Maharashtra opener amassed huge scores over the last year or so and was one of the most deserving candidates to get the nod.
And now Chief selector Chetan Sharma has heaped praise on the 24 year old and said, “Look, absolutely (he has) got the opportunity at the right time. He was in the T20 team and also now he is in the ODI team, wherever his place can be made, selectors are thinking he will go and do wonders for the country. We have selected him (Ruturaj). Now it is up to the (team) management to see when he can play in the XI, when he is required and how to go about the combination, these things we will coordinate. But, at present, he (Ruturaj) was in the T20 side also against New Zealand and he is in ODI now. He is doing well and he is rewarded for that.”
After his IPL high, the opener continued his dazzling form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy too and was the leading scorer there, aggregating 603 runs from five matches with 168 as his highest score.